PA Waterfalls

Exploring Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County

A collage of four photos capturing the beauty and experience of visiting Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left and top right images showcase the stunning waterfall with water cascading over rocky tiers, surrounded by a dense forest with scattered fallen branches. The bottom left image features a steep wooden staircase with metal railings, leading down through the forest to the falls. The bottom right image shows the trailhead sign for Upper Hornbecks Creek, displaying a detailed map and safety information for hikers exploring the area.

If you’re looking for directions to Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, you’re in the right place!

A picturesque view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, with water cascading over a series of rocky steps. The waterfall is nestled within a dense forest, featuring a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. Fallen branches and logs are scattered around the base of the falls, adding to the natural and rugged beauty of the scene. The tranquil and serene atmosphere of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek is beautifully captured in this image.

Upper Indian Ladders Falls is a 30 foot-tall, multi-tiered waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek, located within the 77,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

A captivating front view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, with water cascading over multiple rocky tiers. The waterfall is surrounded by a dense forest, featuring a mix of green foliage and bare branches. Fallen logs and branches are scattered at the base of the falls, adding to the rugged and natural beauty of the scene. The serene and picturesque ambiance of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek is beautifully captured in this image.

The Upper Hornbecks Creek Trail, which leads to the waterfall, is managed by the nearby Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC).

A photo of the trailhead sign for Upper Hornbecks Creek in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The sign features a detailed trail map showing the route to Upper Indian Ladders Falls, along with safety tips, regulations, and alerts. The surrounding area includes bare branches and hints of forest, indicating a natural and wooded environment. The information board provides hikers with essential details for safely exploring the trails and reaching the waterfalls along Upper Hornbecks Creek.

Directions to Upper Indian Ladders Falls

The hike to the falls is a short 0.3-mile (one-way) journey, making it accessible for hikers of nearly all skill levels.

A map illustrating the route to Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The map shows the parking area marked with a red "P" along Emery Road and the trailhead for Hornbecks Creek Trail. The trail, depicted with a dashed yellow line, leads southward to the location of Upper Indian Ladders Falls, marked with a blue icon. Contour lines indicate the elevation changes along the trail. The map provides a clear and helpful visual guide for hikers navigating the path to the waterfall.

Trailhead parking is located along Emery Road.

If navigating by GPS coordinates, use 41.19550, -74.91004 to find the pull-off parking area pictured below.

A view of the parking area at the trailhead for Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. A red truck is parked on the side of a winding road, with a forested area in the background. The trailhead sign is visible near the trees, marking the entrance to the hiking path leading to the waterfall. The surrounding forest features a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere for hikers.

Starting at the Upper Hornbecks Creek trailhead, you’ll find a detailed map and safety information to guide your adventure.

A detailed trail map for Upper Hornbecks Creek in Pike County, Pennsylvania, showing the hiking routes to Upper and Lower Indian Ladders Falls. The map includes marked trails, unpaved roads, distance indicators, and parking areas. A "Hike Safely" section provides important safety tips for hikers, such as staying on trails, wearing sturdy shoes, and checking for ticks. The surrounding forest and creeks are depicted, highlighting the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the area. The map also features a photo of one of the waterfalls, enhancing the visual guide for visitors.

The well-worn path winds through a dense forest, with towering evergreens and deciduous trees creating a serene atmosphere.

A serene forest trail leading to Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The path is lined with tall trees, predominantly evergreens, creating a shaded and peaceful atmosphere. The forest floor is covered with fallen pine needles and cones, adding to the natural beauty of the scene. The well-trodden trail winds gently through the dense woodland, inviting hikers to explore the picturesque surroundings along Upper Hornbecks Creek.

As you approach the top of the falls you’ll see a rather steep wooden staircase.

A view of a steep wooden staircase leading down to Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The stairs are lined with metal railings for support, and the pathway is surrounded by dense forest with a mix of green foliage and bare branches. The image captures the rugged and natural terrain, emphasizing the adventurous approach to reaching the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek.

Descending the staircase, you’ll find yourself with an excellent sideview of Upper Indian Ladders Falls.

A close-up side view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, showing water cascading over a rocky ledge. The waterfall is surrounded by a dense forest with a mix of bare branches and green foliage. Moss-covered rocks and fallen branches add to the rugged, natural beauty of the scene. The image captures the dynamic flow of water and the serene ambiance of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek.

Upon reaching the base of the falls (GPS coordinates 41.19215, -74.90870), the stunning view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls unfolds before you.

A beautiful view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, featuring water gracefully cascading down a series of rocky tiers. The waterfall is surrounded by a dense forest with tall trees and a mix of green foliage and bare branches. The scene is enhanced by scattered fallen branches and logs, contributing to the natural and untouched appearance of the area. The image captures the peaceful and scenic ambiance of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek.

Water cascades gracefully over multiple rocky tiers, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s power and beauty.

A stunning view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, showcasing water cascading down a series of rocky steps. The waterfall is surrounded by a lush forest with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. Fallen branches and logs are scattered at the base of the falls, contributing to the natural and rugged beauty of the scene. The serene and picturesque ambiance of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek is beautifully captured in this image.

The surrounding forest, with its mix of lush green foliage and bare branches, adds to the picturesque scene.

Indian Ladder Falls in Pike County Pennsylvania — Upper Indian Ladder Falls in 2016.

Fallen logs and branches scattered around the base of the falls enhance the rugged charm of the area.

A scenic view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, showcasing cascading water flowing over multiple tiers of rocks. The surrounding forest features lush greenery with trees and branches scattered around the waterfall, adding a natural and serene atmosphere to the scene. The image captures the beauty and tranquility of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek.

The hike’s short distance allows for plenty of time to enjoy some of the smaller off-trail falls along Upper Hornbecks Creek as well.

Unnamed waterfall along Hornsbeck Creek in Pike County Pennsylvania. — Unnamed waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek in Pike County.

The peaceful ambiance of the Upper Hornbecks Creek Trail and the waterfalls along it provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Waterfall along Upper Hornsbeck Trail in Pike County Pennsylvania — Waterfall along the Upper Hornbecks Trail.

When you’ve had your fill of Upper Indian Ladders Falls, simply retrace your steps back to the parking area along Emery Road.

A breathtaking view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, with water flowing gracefully over a series of rocky steps. The waterfall is surrounded by a dense forest with a mix of green foliage and bare branches, creating a natural and serene atmosphere. Fallen logs and branches are scattered around the base of the falls, enhancing the rugged and untouched beauty of the scene. The peaceful ambiance of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek is beautifully captured in this image.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the hike to Upper Indian Ladders Falls is a must-do activity in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

A stunning view of Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, featuring water cascading over multiple rocky steps. The waterfall is surrounded by a forest with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. The scene includes fallen logs and branches scattered around the base of the falls, enhancing the natural and untamed beauty of the area. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of the waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek is beautifully captured in this image.

This hidden gem in Pike County is a testament to the beauty and tranquility of Pennsylvania’s natural landscapes.

Indian Ladder Falls in the Delaware Water Gap.

Nearby Attactions

Lower Indian Ladders Falls is a 25 foot-tall waterfall along Lower Hornbecks Creek, just downstream from Upper Indian Ladders Falls (but accessed via a different trail).

A collage of four photos related to Lower Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, PA. The top left image shows the 25-foot-tall waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks into a pool below. The top right image features a wooden and metal footbridge crossing Hornbecks Creek, part of the trail leading to the falls. The bottom left image depicts the trailhead information board for Lower Hornbecks Creek, displaying a detailed map, regulations, and safety tips. The bottom right image is another view of Lower Indian Ladders Falls, highlighting the lush greenery and rocky cliffs surrounding the waterfall within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. — Scenes from Lower Indian Ladders Falls.

Raymondskill Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is billed by the National Park Service as the “tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania” at 178 feet tall.

A collection of five images showcasing Raymondskill Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A dynamic view of the waterfall with water streaming over a rocky cliff into a serene pool. Top right: A separate section of the falls where water splits into two paths amid dense trees. Bottom left: The rocky creek bed upstream, dotted with large stones and autumn leaves. Bottom center: A downward angle on the falls, highlighting the cascading water and mist. Bottom right: The hiking trail leading to the falls with rough-hewn stone steps and a wooden handrail, bordered by leaf-strewn ground and forest greenery. — Scenes from Raymondskill Falls.

Dingmans Falls in in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area checks in at 130 feet tall, good enough for the title of “second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania.”

A collage featuring five images from Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left and bottom center photos capture the falls in full force, with water cascading down a series of rocky ledges surrounded by lush greenery. The top right picture showcases the olive-green visitor center with its yellow details and the National Park Service emblem, nestled in the woods. A footbridge leading through the verdant forest is the focus of the bottom left image, inviting exploration. Finally, the bottom right photo offers a close-up of a smaller cascade, with a wooden staircase alongside it, emphasizing the natural rugged terrain of the area. Together, these images create a comprehensive visual tour of the Dingmans Falls area, highlighting both the powerful beauty of the falls and the facilities that welcome visitors to this scenic destination. — Scenes from Dingmans Falls.

Hackers Falls is a 20 foot-tall, fan shaped waterfall located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pike County.

A collage of four photos highlighting different aspects of Hackers Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the waterfall flowing through a forested area, framed by trees. The top right image captures a close-up of the main waterfall cascading over a rocky ledge into a pool below. The bottom left image features a gravel trail with a signpost indicating the Cliff Trail and Hackers Trail, set within dense woodland. The bottom right image displays the waterfall from a wider angle, showcasing the cascading water over multiple rocky steps, surrounded by lush greenery. — Scenes from Hackers Falls.

Sawkill and Savantine Falls are a pair of picturesque but seldom-seen waterfalls in the Delaware State Forest.

Collage of four images featuring a hiker at Sawkill and Savantine Falls in the Delaware State Forest, Pike County, Pennsylvania. The images depict the hiker at various viewpoints of the cascading waterfalls. The top left and right photos show him observing the falls from different angles, with the water spilling over rocky terraces amidst a forest setting. The bottom left photo captures the hiker in front of a broad, flowing curtain of water, and the bottom right shows him from behind, looking out at a wide, multi-tiered waterfall. Each scene is framed by the rugged beauty of the forest, showcasing the tranquil and picturesque environment of these waterfalls. — Scenes from Sawkill and Savantine Falls.

Bushkill Falls, often dubbed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is a privately-owned nature park that features eight stunning waterfalls, accessible through a network of scenic trails and beautiful boardwalks that cater to all levels of hikers.

A collage of five images encapsulates the diverse experiences at Bushkill Falls, Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays a robust observation deck overlooking a cascading waterfall. Adjacent to it on the right, the park's entrance building welcomes visitors with a large "Welcome to Bushkill Falls" sign. Below, a wooden walkway stretches over rushing waters, leading visitors through the tranquil environment. The bottom left shows a set of wooden stairs winding through the forest, offering a rustic path for exploration. Finally, a visitor in red, centered in the bottom right, photographs one of the park’s majestic waterfalls, highlighting the picturesque beauty and recreational opportunities available in this section of the Pocono Mountains, all embraced by the park's well-crafted wooden structures. — Scenes from Bushkill Falls.

Shohola Falls, located along Route 6 in Pike County, is what I would call “almost-roadside” – a 5 minute walk from the parking area.

Shohola Falls on State Game Lands 180 in Pike County Pennsylvania — Shohola Falls on State Game Lands 180 in Pike County.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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